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Written question asked by Marion Fellows (Scottish National Party) on Thursday, 11 July 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 July 2019 (named day). It was answered by Kelly Tolhurst (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 July 2019 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Postal Services

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect of Royal Mail's parcel postbox expansion on the income of (a) the Post Office Ltd and (b) sub-Postmasters.

Answer

The Government recognises the critical role that post offices play in communities and for small businesses across the UK. This is why the Government committed to safeguard the post office network and protect existing rural services. The overall number of post offices across the UK remains at its most stable in decades with over 11,500 branches thanks to significant Government investment of over £2 billion since 2010.

While the Government sets the strategic direction for the Post Office, it allows the company the commercial freedom to deliver this strategy as an independent business. The Post Office operates in a range of competitive markets, including mails, and Government is not involved in the commercial activities in those markets.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
276227
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Income Postal services Parcels Post Office
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk